Fishing Glossary - Anglers Gear Knowledge Base

A

abandoned line: A fishing line that has been lost or discarded.

adipose fin: A small, fleshy fin located on the back of some fish species between the dorsal and caudal fins. Also called an adipose eyelid.

aftershocks: The smaller tremors that follow a major earthquake. They generally die down over time.

aggregate eggs: A group of eggs that are released by a female fish and fertilized by a male fish. The eggs stick together in a mass or cluster.

air bladder: A gas-filled sac located in the abdominal cavity of bony fishes. It helps the fish maintain its buoyancy.

alkaline: A water that has a pH level of more than 7.0. Alkaline waters are basic.

alluvial fan: A triangular-shaped deposit of sediment that forms when a stream flows from a narrow canyon onto a flat plain. Alluvial fans typically form in arid or semi-arid regions.

ambush predators: Animals that wait for their prey to come close before attacking. Ambush predators often have good camouflage to help them blend in with their surroundings.

anaerobic: Refers to an environment with little or no oxygen present. Most fish need oxygen to survive, so an anaerobic environment is not ideal for them.

anadromous fish: Fish that hatch in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to live and grow, and then return to freshwater to spawn. Salmon and eels are examples of anadromous fish.

anal fin: A fin located on the underside of a fish, behind the anus.

angler: A person who enjoys fishing.

artificial bait: A lure that is made to look like an animal or insect. Artificial baits are used to attract fishes so they can be caught.

B

baited area: An area where bait has been placed in order to attract fishes. Baited areas can be natural or man-made.

barb: A sharp, pointy projection extending from the main body of a hook. Barbs are used to keep the hook in place once it has been lodged in a fish’s mouth.

billfish: A type of fish that has a long, pointed bill or beak. Billfish include marlins, sailfish, and swordfish.

bleak: A small, silvery freshwater fish found in Europe and Asia. Bleaks are members of the carp family.

bottomfeeder: A fish that feeds on small animals and plants that live on or near the bottom of a body of water. Bottomfeeders use their mouths to suck up food from the sediment.

brackish: Water that is not as salty as seawater but is saltier than freshwater. Brackish water can be found where rivers meet the sea.

bucket mouth: A nickname for largemouth bass. Bucketmouths are freshwater fish that are popular among anglers.

C

caddisfly: A type of insect that lives in freshwater habitats. Caddisflies have a hard exoskeleton and long, delicate wings. They are often used as bait by anglers.

carp: A large, freshwater fish found in Europe and Asia. Carp are popular gamefish and are also raised for food.

catfish: A type of fish that has whiskers around its mouth. Catfish live in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Some species of catfish can grow to be very large.

caudal peduncle: The narrow, stalk-like part of a fish’s body that connects the caudal fin to the main body.

caviar: The eggs of sturgeon and other fish that are eaten as a delicacy. Caviar is often served with crackers or bread.

chlorine: A chemical element that is used to disinfect water. Chlorine is added to many public water supplies in order to kill harmful bacteria.

chum: bait consisting of chopped fish or other bait, used for attracting fish so they can be caught. Chumming is a popular fishing technique, especially among saltwater anglers.

cold front: A boundary between two air masses, typically marked by a change in temperature. Cold fronts can cause changes in the weather, such as thunderstorms.

current: A flow of water in a particular direction. Currents can be caused by tides, winds, or other factors.

D

dorsal fin: A ridge of fins running along the back of a fish’s body. The dorsal fin helps to stabilize the fish while swimming.

E

elasmobranch: A type of fish that has a skeleton made of cartilage instead of bone. Sharks, rays, and skates are examples of elasmobranchs.

estuary: A semi-enclosed body of water where freshwater meets salt water. Estuaries are often found in the mouths of rivers.

F

fathom: A unit of measurement equal to six feet (1.8 meters). Fathoms are used to measure the depth of water.

fin: A thin, flat structure extending from the body of a fish that helps with swimming and balance. Fish have both dorsal fins and anal fins. Some also have pectoral fins and pelvic fins.

fish ladder: A series of steps or pools that allow fish to swim around obstacles, such as dams. Fish ladders make it possible for fish to migrate up or downstream.

fisherman: A person who catches fish for recreation or for food. Fishing is a popular hobby around the world.

fishing line: A length of string or other material used for fishing. Fishing lines are typically made from nylon, Kevlar, or other synthetic materials.

flood tide: The part of the tide cycle when the water is rising. Flood tides can last for several hours.

fly fishing: A type of fishing that uses a rod, reel, and line to cast an artificial fly (a lure) into the water. Fly fishing is a popular sport among anglers.

freshwater: Water that contains very little salt. Rivers, lakes, and ponds are all examples of freshwater habitats.

G

gamefish: A fish that is caught for recreation rather than for food. Gamefish include bass, trout, and salmon.

gill: A respiratory organ found in fish and other aquatic creatures. Gills allow fish to breathe underwater.

gill net: A type of fishing net that is used to catch a fish by their gills. Gill nets are often used in commercial fisheries.

goldfish: A type of freshwater fish that is popular in aquariums. Goldfish come in a variety of colors, including orange, white, and black.

H

hackle: The feathers on a fly that are used to imitate the legs or wings of an insect. Hackle feathers are typically tied onto the hook of a fly fishing lure.

harvest: The process of catching or collecting fish or other organisms from the wild. Harvesting is an important part of many commercial fisheries.

herbivore: An animal that eats only plants. Many fish are herbivores, feeding on algae and other aquatic plants.

hook: A sharp piece of metal or other material used for fishing. Hooks are typically baited with baitfish, worms, or other lures.

I

invertebrate: An animal without a backbone. Insects, crabs, and shrimp are all examples of invertebrates. Many fish feed on invertebrates.

J

jigging: A type of fishing in which the bait is jerked up and down in the water in order to attract fishes. Jigging is often used in deep-sea fishing.

K

kayak: A small, narrow boat that is propelled with a paddle. Kayaks are often used for fishing and recreation.

L

lacustrine: Of or relating to lakes. The term lacustrine is often used to describe lake ecosystems.

larvae: The juvenile stage of an insect or other creature. Many fish feed on insect larvae.

leader: A length of line that connects the bait to the main line. Leaders are typically made from lighter material than the main line.

lure: A type of bait that is used to attract fish. Lures come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials.

M

migrate: To move from one place to another on a regular basis. Many fish migrate in order to breed or to find food.

minnow: A small freshwater fish that is often used as bait. Minnows are found in lakes, rivers, and ponds around the world.

N

nektonic: Of or relating to swimming creatures that can move independently of currents or waves. Nektonic creatures include fish, squid, and jellyfish.

O

omnivore: An animal that eats both plants and animals. Humans are omnivores, as are some fish, such as catfish.

P

pelagic: Of or relating to the open ocean. The pelagic zone is the part of the ocean that is not near the shore.

plankton: Small, drifting creatures that live in water. Plankton includes algae, bacteria, and small crustaceans. Many fish feed on plankton.

pond: A small body of fresh water, often no more than a few acres in size. Ponds are found in many parks and gardens.

predator: An animal that hunts and kills other animals for food. Predators include lions, tigers, and sharks.

R

recreational fishing: Fishing that is done for sport or leisure rather than for commercial purposes. Recreational fishing is popular in many parts of the world.

S

salmon: A type of fish that is found in the oceans and in freshwater rivers and streams. Salmon is popular as a food fish and is also prized by anglers.

saltwater: Water that contains a high concentration of salt. The ocean is an example of a saltwater habitat.

scales: The thin, protective plates that cover the skin of many fish. Scales help to protect fish from predators and parasites.

set line: A type of fishing line that is set in the water and left unattended. Set lines are often used in commercial fisheries.

shad: A type of fish that is found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Shad is popular as a food fish and is also used as bait.

shelf ice: Thick sheets of ice that form along the coastline in cold weather. Shelf ice can be several feet thick and can extend for miles.

shore: The land that borders a body of water. The shoreline is the line where the land meets the water.

spawn: To lay eggs. Many fish species spawn in freshwater rivers and streams. The eggs are typically carried downstream to the ocean by the current.

spear: A long, sharpened piece of metal or wood that is used for fishing. Spears are often used to catch a fish in shallow water.

species: A group of living organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. There are thousands of species of fish.

spinner: A type of lure that has a rotating blade that reflects light. Spinners are often used to catch trout and other fish.

stocking: The process of adding fish to a body of water. stocking is often done in order to increase the number of fish available for sport or commercial fishing.

submersible: Capable of being submerged in water. Submersible vessels include submarines and some types of fishing boats.

T

tailwater: The part of a river or stream that is downstream from a dam or other obstruction. Tailwaters are often deep and fast-flowing.

trolling: A type of fishing in which bait is towed behind a boat. Trolling is often used to catch a fish such as salmon and trout.

U

underwater: Below the surface of the water. Many fish live in underwater habitats, such as reefs and lakes.

W

waders: A type of clothing that is worn by anglers and others who need to wade in the water. Waders are typically made of rubber or neoprene.

watershed: An area of land that drains into a particular body of water. Watersheds can be small, such as a stream, or large, such as a river basin.

whipping: A type of fishing in which the line is whipped through the air to cast the bait. Whipping is often used to catch q fish such as bass and pike.

wireline: A type of fishing line that is made of metal wire. Wireline is often used in commercial fisheries.

yarn: A type of thread or string that is made from natural or synthetic fibers. Yarn is often used to make fishing lures.

zebra mussel: A type of freshwater mussel that is native to Europe. Zebra mussels have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America. They are a major pest species and can clog water pipes and other infrastructure.